Chapter 3 Memory Flashcards
memory
an active information processing system that receives, stores, organises and recovers information
encoding
the process that converts information into a useable form (code) that can be stored and represented in the memory system
storage
the retention of information in the memory system over time
retrieval
the process of locating information stored in memory and bringing it into consciousness when needed, to complete a cognitive task.
multi-store model of memory
the memory model that visualises memory as a system consisting of multiple memory stores through which a stream of data flows for processing
sensory memory
the first stage of the multi-store model of memory; it receives and stores an unlimited amount of sensory information for up to a few seconds
sensory register
a subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores specific sensory information received from a sense of organ
iconic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of visual information in the form of a visual image for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a second
echoic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of auditory information in the form of an echo for up to 3-4 seconds
short term memory (STM)
the second and most active memory system in the multi-store model of memory; stores a limited amount of information entering from sensory memory or retrieved from LTM for a short period of time unless the information is rehearsed
magic number 7 (+ or - 2)
the number of single items of information that the average short term memory can hold at any one time
chunking
grouping separate items of information to form a larger single information unit (chunk) so our short-term memory can hold more than the usual seven single items of information at any given moment
rehearsal
the active manipulation of information in short-term memory in order to hold it for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
maintenance rehearsal
the rehearsal technique involving the repetition of information a number of times so it can be held in short-term memory for a longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
elaborative rehearsal
the rehearsal technique involving linking new information in some meaningful way with information already stored in LTM, or with other pieces of new information, to hold it in short-term memory for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
self-referencing
an elaborate rehearsal technique involving linking new information to the self or to personal experience to hold it in short term memory for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds and to increase its chances of transfer to and retrieval from LTM
long term potentiation
the long lasting strenthening of synaptic connections of neurons resulting in more efficient functioning of neurons when activated
serial-position effect
a pattern of recall for list items, where recall is better for items at the beginning or end of a list than for items in the middle
recency effect
the serial-position effect where recall is best for items at the end of a list, then for items at the beginning, then for items in the middle of the list
primary effect
the serial position effect where recall is best for the first items on the list, then for items at the end of the list, then for items in the middle of the list
long-term memory (LTM)
the third memory system in the multi-store model of memory; used for relatively permanent storage of an unlimited amount of information
working memory
according to Baddeley and Hitch, an active subsystem of STM that temporarily stores and manipulates a limited amount of information needed to perform cognitive tasks
phonological loop
an area of working memory that stores a limited number of sounds (speech-based and acoustic) received from the echoic memory and/or LTM for up to two seconds unless the information is rehearsed
phonological stores
a subsystem of working memory’s phonological loop that holds the sounds we want to keep or are preparing to speak, in their order, for up to two seconds, by subvocalising them; known as the ‘inner ear’
